topic Re: Would you pay for Software updates? in PCs & Accessories

Would you pay for Software updates?

octhem — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 19:57:44 GMT

Hello Vaio Pocket Users et al,

After voting on a poll asking me "Are you willing to pay a fee to upgrade to the latest VAIO software versions?"

No on it's own is not a strong enough answer, I feel the need to rant over this.........

So would I pay to update my VP to the standard it should have been at when it was released? erm.... NO!

Would I pay the developer his overtime to get bugs fixed in his software? NO!

Would I pay to have a decent/reliable/fully featered sonicstage? NO NO NO!

I honestly can't think of a reason why I would pay, I wouldn't even pay if they offered a software update that allowed my VP to play movies.

What are Sony thinking? Do they honestly believe Joe Public having to pay for their shortfalls and mistakes is a fair and viable option?

Would you pay? is this for real? Please vote at the link below; and if you feel as strongly as I do - add your comments pro or con.

Rant over, going to work on my kinetic anti battery drain module!

Are you willing to pay a fee to upgrade to the latest VAIO software versions?

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

robpaxton — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:16:43 GMT

I believe the poll is referring to the versions of Sony software that come pre-installed on most Vaios. Applications like Vaio Zone, DVGate plus etc.

I've no doubt SonicStage will remain a free download and updates will be freely available because they hope to use it as a portal for you to purchase music from their download site. Doesn't stop it being rubbish though - it's been a bug ridden disaster since V1.

Firmware updates for the Vaio pocket will probably also be few and far between. Sony will simply release a new model in 6 months and forget the VP ever existed. They do the same with their computers - for example the graphic card driver for my 2-3 year old GRX computer has only ever been updated once.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

kee-lo_ — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:33:31 GMT

My answer is no, I wouldn't, only exceptions I would are DVGate and Gigapocket.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

robpaxton — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:42:06 GMT

So your real answer is yes, possibly

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

octhem — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:56:17 GMT

Rob - Valid point if the fee is for upgrading demo/trial software that is pre-installed with your PC/Laptop to a full version product (this is standard practice).

So are you saying you would be happy to pay for software updates that are released to resolve issues or bugs with said software?

Please excuse my ignorance, my only sony experience is with vp.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

kee-lo_ — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:03:13 GMT

Yes Rob, but within reason.
Like if Gigapocket 6 was released I'd buy it.
But if it was an update to fix, oh lets say it prints the wrong date on the capsule file, then no.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

robpaxton — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:04:42 GMT

Lots of the software on Vaios is full version and Sonys own design.
For example: Gigapocket is the TVR application that was installed on my Vaio V1, new Vaios with similar functionality come with Vaio Zone. This new software supposedly comes with extra features so I would possibly pay to upgrade (that would depend on whether I thought the extras were worth paying for of course).

If the software didn't work properly to start with then I would expect updates to be supplied free.

It's the difference between an update to repair faults and an upgrade which supplies extra features over & above those originally supplied . . . .

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

kee-lo_ — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:08:37 GMT

Yeah thats what I would do too.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

octhem — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:12:59 GMT

Hi Kee-Lo, Thats my point exactly; I can understand paying for upgraded, feature increased software. It's the paying for software updates that I, and I believe many others will not agree with.

It is a grey area that sony need to move into black or white - is it paying a fee for better software i.e. V5 to V6 or software improvements i.e. V5.1 to V5.2.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

robpaxton — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:20:01 GMT

I agree - there is a perfect example of this with Click to DVD.

The version I was supplied with was V1.2 and it had lots and lots of bugs. Version 1.4 was released on new computers but Sony wouldn't supply this update to existing users. It was only after a lot of pressure and complaints on various sites worldwide that Sony relented and finally supplied an update to existing users.

Actually getting the message across that the software didn't work properly as originally supplied was an uphill battle.

It is hard work getting updates from Sony. Upgrades are currently not supplied at all even if you are willing to pay.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

kee-lo_ — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:24:56 GMT

Just look at the graphics card fiasco, people are still waiting for a new one from Sony.

They take a heck of a long time to realise something isn't working. I remember when they finally issued that Click2DVD update, a lot of people sighed a breath of relief as they could finally burn DVDs.

They've done a lot of restricting like when C2DVD could only do 60mins DVDs..... what a joke.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

Akanksha — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 01:54:41 GMT

I agree with paying for updates with lots of features but then again, will this not turn into a mint for them?
Instead of looking for bugs in the older version(which they dont anyway) they will now try and get a newer version, somewhat like what Microsoft did with ME and 2000(I think!)

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

nemo66 — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 15:02:33 GMT

SILLY QUESTION

What "NORMAL PERSON/USER" would pay for that
I can say: NO ONE!!!!

...really....believe me, i know what i say!

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

seb21__ — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 15:08:09 GMT

software updates, software hier, software da, bla, bla, bla.:smileytired: :smileyrolling_eyes:

but, what is with BIOS upgrates?:smileynot_talking:

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

robpaxton — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 17:11:19 GMT

  SILLY QUESTION  

What "NORMAL PERSON/USER" would pay for that  
I can say: NO ONE!!!!

...really....believe me, i know what i say!

People pay for software upgrades all the time - otherwise we would all still be using DOS and using Word 95.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

TygerTyger — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 17:20:00 GMT

I used Word 95 until last year lol. I can see why companies get so much hassle trying to sell products like this, if all you want is a word processor or whatever there's no reason at all to upgrade.

That's with reference to MS flogging Outlook with Hotmail accounts. And businesses holding back from ever upgrading computers again because from a purely business perspective they are as powerful as they need to be now.

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

seb21__ — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 17:20:46 GMT

I agree, Rob

my VAIO with DOS 1.0 .............
..................:smileycry:

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

Elkingti — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:09:01 GMT

Paying for what ??
Are you serious ??
The almost 400¿ for my VP isn't enought ??

Re: Would you pay for Software updates?

seb21__ — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:19:54 GMT

prost, Elkingti !

Milk is good for your bones.